Most booked
Classic Northern Circuit
Four parks in four days: a Meru foothill walk, Tarangire's elephants, the crater floor and the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara.
From$1,430
View trip
Length5 days / 4 nights
From$1,490per person sharing, 6 travellers
StartsArusha / JROAny date
StylePrivate 4x4Your own guide
Route
Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti · Lake Manyara
Why this trip works
- Two nights inside the Serengeti, not a rushed day trip in and out
- Ngorongoro Crater descent on the way between parks
- Tarangire's elephants and baobabs on day one
- Lake Manyara birdlife and Rift Valley views on the way home
Day by day
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Day 1 · Tarangire National Park
A short briefing in Arusha, then off to Tarangire with a hot picnic lunch. The afternoon is spent tracking elephant families along the Tarangire River before driving to the lodge for dinner.
Pamoja Africa Lodge, Karatu·Full board
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Day 2 · Ngorongoro Crater to the Serengeti
Breakfast at 06:00, crater gate by 08:30. You descend for the morning, eat lunch at the Ngoitoktok hippo pool, then climb the rim and cross the highlands into the Serengeti for sunset.
Into Wild Africa, Serengeti·Full board
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Day 3 · Full day in the Serengeti
A full day of morning and afternoon game drives in the central Serengeti - lion prides on the kopjes, leopard in the riverine trees, and in season the migration moving through the plains.
Into Wild Africa, Serengeti·Full board
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Day 4 · Serengeti to Karatu
A final morning game drive, lunch on the way out, then the scenic drive back through the Ngorongoro highlands to Karatu.
Pamoja Africa Lodge, Karatu·Full board
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Day 5 · Lake Manyara and Arusha
An 08:00 start for Lake Manyara: groundwater forest, hippo, baboons and the escarpment wall above you. Lunch at Msasa picnic site, then back to Arusha or the airport.
Departure·Breakfast, lunch
Included
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof, fridge and charging
- Four nights full board (Pamoja Africa Lodge, Into Wild Africa camp)
- All park, concession and crater service fees
- Professional driver-guide and all game drives in the itinerary
- Water, soft drinks, coffee, tea and packed hot lunches
- Government taxes and levies
Not included
- Flights, visa and travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional balloon safari (from USD 580 per person)
Questions about this trip
Two nights is the sweet spot on this route: you get a full day in the park instead of arriving at dusk and leaving at dawn. If you have a sixth day, we would add a night in the north for the Mara River crossings between July and October.
Pamoja Africa Lodge is a mid-range farm lodge in Karatu with spacious rooms and a garden; Into Wild Africa is a comfortable tented camp in the central Serengeti with en-suite bathrooms and solar power.
Price
$1,490
per person sharing, 6 travellers
- USD 1,490 per person sharing for a group of six; USD 8,940 total for six travellers.
- Smaller groups pay a little more per person because the vehicle is private - we quote both versions for you.
- The balloon safari is optional and booked separately at USD 580 per person.
Park, concession and crater fees included. Free quote in 24 hours.
